Survey on the Prevalence of Buruli Ulcer in Patients with Chronic Wounds in Pointe-Noire

Background & objective: Buruli Ulcer (BU) is a human skin infection caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, an environmental mycobacterium. This pathology is most prevalent in humid tropical regions, particularly near swampy or flood-prone areas. In Pointe-Noire, a coastal city in the Republic of Congo, Buruli ulcer is a health threat requiring ongoing surveillance and awareness-raising efforts to control its spread. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Buruli ulcers in patients consulting for chronic wounds in Pointe-Noire. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from June 10, 2023 to September 18, 2024. We recruited 69 patients with chronic wounds consulted at the Adolphe Sicé General Hospital, the Tié Tié Referral Hospital, and the Pointe Noire Operational Sector. Mycobacterium ulcerans was systematically detected using the qPCR technique targeting the M. ulcerans IS 2404 specific insertion element on swab samples. Results: 69 patients with suspected BU were enrolled, with 57% (39) male and 43% (30) female subjects. The mean age was 47.7 ± 18.5, ranging from 6 to 94 years, and the most represented age group was [30-60] (66.7%). The wounds observed in our patients were mainly ulcerative in 94.2% (65) and localized to the lower limbs in 97.1% (67). The overall prevalence of Mycobacterium ulcerans infection was 2.89%. The age group affected was < 15 years, with 01 positive male case and [30-60], with 1 positive female case. Conclusion: The study carried out in Pointe-Noire revealed a Buruli ulcer prevalence of 2.86% among the 69 patients with chronic wounds tested, with 02 positive cases.